The Khodja Ahror Vali is the first in Tashkent Cathedral-Friday mosque, within the Registan ensemble, situated on the highest point of "Eski Shahar" (Old city) in Tashkent, surrounded by three squares – Chorsu, Khadra and Eski Juva.  Among 150 mosques in the town, it is not only the oldest but also the tallest building of pre-revolutionary Tashkent. It closes the three largest religious buildings of Uzbekistan after Samarkand "Bibi Khanum" & Bukhara "Poi Kalon".

Named Sufi

The name received in honor of one of the most prominent leaders of Sufi currents – Sheikh Khodja Akhrar Vali mosque has already over six centuries. This man had his own expense erected a building on the site of an earlier mosque destroyed and gave it to the city. Sheikh Ubaidulla Ahrar was a descendant of the prophet Muhammad and head of the Muslim clergy.

The Holy Friday prayer

The Foundation of the mosque was laid in the 8th century, after the conquest of the region by the Arabs. Juma mosque is wonderful for its architecture – the yard type of construction and the cubic form of the Central building are the only example of late middle Ages times in the capital, symbolizing the sacred Kaaba for Muslims. Built according to all canons of religion, the mosque is oriented on Mecca, which means that all the prayers asking to be heard. The Friday prayer is obligatory for all believers – component of the spiritual life in antiquity was subjected to special control. In those days a special position existed – they were observers, subjecting to corporal punishment of those who evaded the process of praying. Responding to the muezzin's call, Muslims perform a ritual ablution – it is called "taharat", and line up facing Mecca. At exactly the hour of the day on the "Minbar"(special elevation) the Imam goes back and starts reading "namaz" — prayer.

The mosque has seen a lot during its lifetime – tunable on several occasions, it has reached our days, having survived in the earthquake of 1868.  But was rebuilt by Emperor Alexander III, having received its second name – Royal mosque. The events of subsequent ages, including the atheistic regime of former the Soviet Union led to its destruction – withstood elements were demolished in 1997 for appearing in its new, modern guise, still carrying the ancient spirit.